Star Jackson Transferring From Georgia State Football Program For Personal Reasons

Star Jackson, one-time much-heralded Alabama Crimson Tide QB transfer, is again packing his bags. The Georgia St. Panthers backup quarterback has decided to leave Bill Curry’s program after being suspended for part of the 2010 season and scarcely seeing the field.

With Thursday’s announcement of a four-game Drew Little suspension, the Panthers are suddenly thin at QB for critical early-season matchups. Kelton Hill is likely to benefit from the depth chart shuffling, adding four starts to his resume.

Jackson says he’s leaving for “personal reasons.” He’ll have to sit out a year after this transfer, which he didn’t have to do after leaving Bama. He almost played his way into the starting job during his first offseason in Atlanta, but wasn’t able to beat out Little for the spot. He did make it onto the field for a handful of games, playing in specific packages and throwing a pair of interceptions in four passes during his first game.

Drew Little, Fred Barnes Suspended, Olufemi Opanubi Dismissed From Georgia State Football

Georgia State Football Coach announced that he has suspended starting QB Drew Little for the first four game of the 2011 season and starting S Safety RS Sophomore Fred Barnes will be suspended for spring practice and the first two games of 2011. Starting OLB Olufemi Opanubi has been dismissed from the team.

Also, the Panthers leading WR in 2010, RS Sophomore Danny Williams, and Senior ILB Evan Bostic are suspended for the first week of spring practice. Coach Curry's comments via GSU Sports Communications:

"As we build our program, discipline has to be the foundation," said Curry. "These situations are difficult for all involved, but we will do the right thing, for Georgia State football and for these young men."

Curry also announced that RS Sophmore Punter/WR Bo Schlechter will return to the QB position, joining RS Sophomore Kelton Hill at the position. In 2010, Schlechter served as the starting Punter averaging 44.5 yards per punt and caught 8 passes for 118 yards.

Georgia State begins Spring Practice on Monday, March 21st.